The USA importers checklist guide

The task of an importer only ends until the freight reaches its destination, thus the need for a USA importers checklist guide. Otherwise, you may find yourself missing some important documents during the movement of goods.

USA importers checklist guide

USA importers checklist guide

Having a freight forwarder and customs broker during the process will make your journey less troublesome.  However, you still need to provide, confirm and specify all the necessary information and document they will need. This will ensure your freight will arrive to its destination accordingly.

So if you are thinking whether or not you still need to read this checklist? We bet you should! It’s always handy to be armed with knowledge rather than miss a thing during the import process.

If you need more information, give us a call at 1-877-901-2004. We are always happy to help you.

Prior to Shipment – USA importers checklist guide

Listed below are some of the common things you should do and remember prior to shipment.

Review shipping & payment terms

Do a final check with your shipping and payment details. This is to make sure nothing is wrong with the information contained in it.

USA importers checklist guide - review of shipping and payment terms

USA importers checklist guide – review of shipping and payment terms

Customs broker selection and preparation

Choosing the right customs broker is one of the most important things to do prior to shipment. But it doesn’t end there. You need to ensure you provide him/her with the necessary documents too.

Need help? Read on.

Select your customs broker and provide him with all the necessary documents

Your broker will act as your proxy during the importing process. Hence, make sure that he/she has a power of attorney upon transaction.

You should also check your purchase order. See if your forwarder and broker are listed there. If not then you should request it to be redone, otherwise for them to be included in it. This makes importing simpler.

Check the routing and transportation arrangement

Before your shipment sails, make sure that either your supplier or forwarder has a routing mechanism. You’ll find this very handy especially when tracking your cargo, especially if unexpected cargo delays happen.

Verify freight rates, methods, and customs bond

Verify if the freight methods and rates used in the original landed cost estimates have been applied to the goods. This is important in the USA importers checklist as it helps you avoid “additional” bills.

What other things should you verify?

Know if your purchaser has customs bond.

Why is this so important?

A customs bond acts as an insurance policy that guarantees payment to US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) even if the purchaser failed to do in time. So let’s just say it gives you additional peace of mind while your cargo is being shipped to its destination.

Confirm consignee details

Review and confirm the consignee details. This includes the:

  • Notify party
  • Markings
  • Port of your cargo

Why is this important?

This is part of the USA importers checklist as it further ensures your shipment will land at the right place and the right person.

Send shipping papers to the buyer

Lastly, make sure that the buyer will receive a copy of the shipping papers. You never know when the buyer will need this. At times, it is requested prior to the release of the goods upon its arrival.

USA importers checklist - the customs broker selection and preparation process

USA importers checklist – the customs broker selection and preparation process

Make sure your product is ready to go

There is no import process without a product! It’s that simple. So you need to make sure the product to be imported is ready for shipment.

USA importers checklist - is the product ready?

USA importers checklist – is the product ready?

Transportation Insurance

It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

Confirm if your goods follow the procedure for transportation insurance. It is always best to prevent loss in case accidents happen and insuring your cargo is the best option.

Fragility or Perishableness?

Are your goods fragile or perishable? If so, check if it follows the correct packaging arrangement to avoid damage during transportation.

Unsure of how? Watch the short clip below.

Certification requirements

Does your product need certification such as inspection certificate? If so, complete it.

Hazardous products

Are your goods hazardous? If yes, make sure it adheres to the hazardous material regulations. The information on how to comply with it is provided here.

Ensure the country of origin details are correct and prepared

Knowing the country of origin of your cargo is important as it can easily affect your cargo’s:

  • Admissibility
  • Rate of duty
  • Special duty or trade preference programs
  • Government procurement

Keep your proof of origin as it is often needed for Customs’ Audit.

Confirm that country of origin product marking instructions are being followed

There are certain rules and regulations one must follow in marking the country of origin product. However, the general requirement is as stated below:

“Prior to importing your goods into the United States, you should ensure the overseas supplier has marked the goods with the country of origin. For example, goods originating in China should be marked “Made in China”. The marking must be legible and permanent enough for the ultimate purchaser to be made aware of the goods origin.”  – SOURCE: US Customs and Border Protection

See the full list of marking rules here.

Confirm that supplier will use the purchaser’s supplied US Customs Harmonized Number in the shipping description

The harmonized tariff schedule improves the assessment and collection of duties on imports. These are different in specific goods, so it’s best to double check if your supplier has indeed used the correct harmonized number.

Search for the harmonized tariff number of specific goods here.

After shipment leaves supplier – USA importers checklist guide

Now it’s time for your freight to move. However, you can’t rest yet. You need to make sure your cargo will reach the consignee’s place accordingly.

First few hours upon the departure

Verify if your forwarder follows the routing as planned. This means the shipment gets boarded on the intended vessel or flight on schedule.

You should also determine if the pre-clear through customs is possible. If so, take advantage of this to minimize the time.  Once you received the documents, check if it has the correct consignee, destination, markings and notify party. Also, verify if the forwarder sent copies of the documents to the broker and purchaser.

USA importers checklist prior to shipment

USA importers checklist – the customs broker selection and preparation process

Get ready for the customs procedure

Know if your cargo has arrived to the country of destination from your broker.

Confirm if he/she is acquainted with the shipment and the inland shipping instructions. If required, prepare information for special clearances. Once done, check the customs clearance status of your cargo.

If everything goes well, your cargo will continue its delivery. Thus, get the trailer and pro number of your inland carrier, as well as his contact information.

Ultimately, confirm if your goods has arrived on its final destination.

A simple note for all importers – USA importers checklist guide

Surely, being an importer is a not so easy task. However, the joy of a successful import is more than enough to repay the work you’ve done. Thus we salute you with the success of your first import shipment.

However, always remember that your task can be made easier if you choose a freight forwarder that has accumulated years of experience, making them experts in the industry. Learn more about FFQO-US, today. Click here.